Informal networking, the butterfly effect: One recruiter’s how-tos of landing a summer job
Posted May 12, 2019 12:10 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It is a challenge most students and new graduates will face, many more than once — finding that perfect summer job.
As the summer months quickly approach, many people have already begun their search.
In an ultra-competitive market, one expert recommends starting off small — whether you have an idea of your perfect job or not.
Kareen Emery with recruiting firm Monster calls this the She calls this approach the “butterfly effect.”
“Sometimes starting small is the best way to go because you can test the water,” Emery explains. “You can really see what your competencies and your interests in the real world are. So the butterfly effect is all about starting small and seeing where it can lead you. You will also be starting to network and you’ll be able to meet with other people, so you never know where it’s going to lead you or make you go in life.”
As counter-intuitive as it may seem for millennials, she also suggests getting out from behind a screen and taking on activities that demonstrate your interests and people skills, like volunteering, joining sports leagues or coaching or mentoring kids.
“This one is a hard one, because even us as professionals, we don’t like it that much,” Emery admits. “And it’s so important. Paper is one thing, but your personality sells it. Go out there, go to a networking event. Go analog. Make sure that you are there, that you network and demonstrate your interest.”
The main reason is to stand out in a sea of other candidates.
Another tip Emery has so you can land that summer job is knowing what you’re talking about.
“Employers have expectations as well. As much as a student wants to make sure their summer will be something interesting, something that they want to do, employers are expecting students to have done their research, to know what their company is about. And to have a reason why they are applying to this specific company in this role.”
